Recomend me my first rifle?

Question

lately ive been getting the urge to learn how to shoot a rifle. never shot a rifle, never even held one to be honest. what do you guys recommened for a begining rifle? no .22cal, im a big boy. 6Ft 220Lbs.

Answer 1

As big as you are get a 243 to start out with.  Learn to shoot it and that way you can go hunting with it.  Come deer season you cant use a 22.  Borrow one if you can to learn, but if your going to purchase one do so with one you can use to hunt deer with.

Answer 2

Big boy has nothing to do with it

To learn proper shooting techniques takes time and ammo

Ammo costs much money these days and  .22s are the most cot effective learning guns there are

That and many more reasons make a 22 the best first gun for someone that just want;s to learn how to shoot

I am also 6' 220 and routinely return to my 22s to reinforce proper shooting discipline even after 40 years of shooting

get either a used Marlin model 60 or the equivalent in a bolt action

Answer 3

G'day mate go for a cz .22 mag it more powerful than a .22 lr.But if you decide to go 4 a .22 lr make sure it has a short barrel because the longer barrel loose speed and accuracy  but only in the .22 lr.Or go for a center fire rifle .223 remington or a 243.cheers mate

Answer 4

im over 6ft 300lbs and i have a ball with my ole lady and kids shooting adult airguns. as an avid rifleman, that wishs to keep our sport safe, i recommend you learn safe gun handling from a certified instructor!  or seek a friend that already has guns that will take you shooting and teach you properly. safety first!! that is why i would recomend an adult airgun ! secondly it is much cheaper and you can shoot all day on a few bucks! a 22bullet can travel up to a mile and a half, pellet rifle 200 yards!    

Answer 5

a .22 would actually be best because if you need to learn then something like a 30.06 could get you or someone else hurt find somebody with a gun to teach you to shoot then go get a bigger rifle before you buy one so you won't waste any money. 30.30 is good 30.06 .223 .273

Answer 6

Sorry pallie but your gonna have to start small. .22 just happens to be the best caliber to learn with. I don't really recommend any kind of gun but don't go lower than $150 for a new one

Answer 7

I don't care if you're the biggest, ugliest SOB in the history of the world, the 22 LR is still the place to start. If you can afford it, get one of the premium bolt-actions. It's the absolute best way to learn good shooting techniques and also one of the most useful calibers for sporting purposes. I have rifles that are chambered for rounds too big for use anywhere within a thousand miles of where I live, but I'd never consider for a minute doing without a 22. This isn't a matter of machismo but of simple practicality.

Answer 8

Big boy or not, if you start out with too much recoil or don't have proper technique down yet and take a scope to the eye right away, you will develop some bad habits real quick. Your size really doesn't determine how well you handle recoil. Shooting technique, ear protection, and conditioning is what make a person able to handle recoil.

As others have mentioned, a 22LR rifle is probably about the best way to go, but not the only way. The recoil is non-existent and the ammo is still cheap, even with the metal prices being as high as they are. For under $250, you can buy a new 22 rifle and a cheap scope to start with.

If you have your heart set on something other than a 22 rimfire, here are some other things to consider:

243 Win: If you are really die hard about getting out of the 22 caliber range, a 243 Win would be my suggestion for a beginners rifle. Recoil is mild, but to be honest, with bad shooting habits, it is enough to make your shoulder sore after a box of ammo. A 243 Win was my first rifle that I called my own at the age of 13.  I knew how to shoot well at this point, but my shooting technique wasn't perfected. The rifle would push me around a little bit at first, but it was a very good cartridge to learn with. Light varmint weight bullets are excellent for practicing long range shooting and are pretty light on the recoil. 100 grain bullets make excellent deer rounds and are still easy on the shouler. Rifles are plentiful and you can probably find a good bolt action rifle on the used gun rack for under $500 for a nice one. Toss a Nikon variable scope on it with some rings and you can have a beautiful set up for under $800.

223 Rem: Yes it is still a 22 caliber, but this is a lot more fun to shoot than the rimfires. There is a wide variety of surplus ammo and cheap ammo you can put through the rifle (not as much as there used to though). A heavy barreled varmint rig with a high powered scope can easily set you back $2K. A "AR-15" type rifle or another "military" variation will put you back about $1K. You should be able to find a used bolt action 223 rifle and top it off with a decent 3x9 variable for under $1K.

30 Carbine: This round isn't good for a whole lot. It is a low recoil round that is fun to shoot though. I know some people who have used it for deer and used it successfully, but personally I wouldn't. You can pick up a military surplus M1 Carbine and have it delivered to your door with no FFL from the CMP (http://www.odcmp.com) for about $600 if my memory serves me right. I own one myself. I can't hit the broad side of a barn with mine, but I know the problem is me, not the rifle (my dad carried one as a tank gunner. Despite the fact he can't see iron sights, he can still put all the rounds in a pie plate at 100m). Ammo isn't cheap, but it is reasonable.

7.62x39mm: The old soviet military around. There is noticeable recoil in this round, but nothing significant. The round is good enough to take a whitetail down at under 150 yards or so. I don't know of many "civilian" rifles chambered in this round though. I don't know much about rifles in this cartridge in general to be honest. I've seen a bolt action once on a used gun shelf. Ruger used to make the Mini-30 (not sure if they still do or not). Surplus SKS rifles used to be dirt cheap and I think they are still reasonable. AK-47 clones are a bit spendy, but still cheaper than the AR-15 type rifles.

If these cartridges are still too wimpy for you to learn with....

308 Win: The 308 has noticible recoil. It isn't punishing by any means to the experienced shooter, but it can get your attention if you aren't holding it right. There is a wide variety of bullet weights that will allow you to take down almost any creature in North America (I'm not sure I'd go after big brown bear with a 308 Win, but it has been done successfully in the past and I'm sure will take more large bears...I personally like a little bigger bullet for them).

30-30 Win: Most of the rifles you will find will be lever action cowboy type rifles. Winchester model 94 was the rifle all other 30-30's were measured against. Due to the tube magazines in these types of rifles, almost all the ammo on the market are round nosed or flat nosed bullets, which left much to be desired in the way of ballistics and accuracy. Hornady came out with some polymer tipped ammo that has changed all that. The 30-30 Win is a pleasure to shoot. I always thought it was a bit less recoil than the 308 Win.

30-06 Springfield: I wouldn't recommend the 30-06 as a beginners cartridge, but one can make due with it if they are determined. Recoil can be quite manageable with 125 gr bullets to boarderline punishing with hot, handloaded 220gr bullets. The plus to having a 30-06 is that you will really never need another rifle for North American game (the same could be said for the 308 Win...30-06 will work on big bear, but again, I like a bit bigger cartridge and bullet, but that is just me). If you start with a 30-06, don't be a tough guy. Start with reduced recoil ammo or light bullets like the 125 gr. Recoil will be very noticeable to novice shooters, but not intolerable. Ammo can be cheap to spendy, depending on the brand and bullet.

As I said in the beginning, I'd start with a low recoiling round. A 22LR is probably the best as the rifles are cheap, the ammo is cheap, and you won't blow a ton of cash learning to shoot.

I congratulate you and welcome you into the world of shooting. It is great to see a new person show interest in shooting sports.

Answer 9

Reconsider the .22.

I'm not little and these days the .22s get more range time than any of my boomsticks.

Not only are they affordable to both own and shoot, but they are the perfect platform to get you developing the proper techniques and understanding the art of the rifle. Start with open sights or peep sights and then only when you have attained a level of proficiency add a good scope.

The key to becoming a good shot is actually shooting the firearm as much as your wallet and your shoulder can afford.

I have semi-autos, bolts and levers and let me tell you nothing beats a couple of hours of blasting shotgun clays  or racing wiffle balls down the range against a shooting buddy.  

Answer 10

Im a big boy too and i've been shooting for years and its always fun when me and the guys go out to shoot our .22's.  Its better to start with a small gun and be able to fine tune your skills than worry about impressing people with a bigger caliber.  .22's the best one.

Answer 11

you sound like my little brother. I still remember him saying, " i dont need to shoot a 22 i've shot pleanty of high powered pellet guns"

HAHA. yeah right, so 1 day i took him 2 the range.. and i brought a 22, 30-06, 308, 338, a 40 cal rifle, a 12ga slug gun, and a 50 BMG... i made him shoot 2 shots of each gun that he shot. so he could get the true feel of the recoil(and i was also shooting as many shots as him so that way he couldnt complain that he was shooting more then me)..... well at that time he was 14 and weighted like 140.... well he went stright 2 the 30-06 took 2 shoots, 308 2 shots, 338 2 shots, at this time i saw that his groupings were becoming wider,( and i saw him starting 2 flinch) he actally took 3 40 cal shots, so next up was the slug gun, he took 2 shots and up next was the 50 BMG... so i told him" watch how much recoil is on me and you figure out  if you truly want 2 shoot it.. so i shot, and he got behind the gun and shot LOL yeah luckly i was behind him to catch my gun, LOL he shot it and he left booth hands off of the gun and put them up to his sholder, and next thing i know he was on the ground, and just just about crying,

so he now respects the 22

Answer 12

i'm 6'1 i used a .22 wait a year then if your ready

then move to either a 10, 12, 16, 20, 28,

for deer hunting you cannot use a .22 for deer hunting

not unless you wanna go to jail

there are moss burg,remington

benelli

Answer 13

I don't care if you can bench 325lbs. .22 LR is the best caliber for a novice shooter no matter who or what they are.

If you can't shoot properly with a .22  you will not be able to shoot properly with a .300 Win Mag or a .338 Lapua.

Look at Marlin bolt action rimfires.

I like the 981 T , it has a tubular magazine so it has a larger capacity than your standard bolt action rifle.  It is also inexpensive for a firearm.

Answer 14

If you have never held any long gun, start with a single shot shotgun.  The next step would be to decide on the caliber and type of rifle you want. You do not mention what and where you will hunt.  For most big game in North America the Springfield .30-06 is one of the most popular cartridges. It is usual in a bolt action with a 5 round magazine. It could also be a semi automatic.  The cartridge is loaded with bullets from 110 grain to 220 grain. It will have good knockdown power up to 300 yards, and may be deadly at 600 M.  There are some similar cartridge in use, .308, .300 WSM, .and a .270-06,  7mm mag are all popular cartridges.  Until you are experienced with rifles, the .30-06 can be found used, but not abused and will let you gain experience and knowledge.  Read sporting and hunting magazines. This will give you a basis to start making a long range decision.  

Answer 15

A .22 is the best choice for ANYONE learning to shoot.  Their is virtually no recoil which leads to proper shooting form.  You cannot be accurate if you are flinching.  Your size has absolutely nothing to do with felt recoil.  You will feel it regardless.

Besides the recoil issue, .22s are a blast to shoot.  Compare ammo prices also.  If you are only shooting for fun, why pay all that money for 30.06 or other large caliber ammo?

I am the same size as you and I was once stupid.  I lived by the motto, "the bigger the better."  I then wised up and figured out that accuracy was more important than ego.  I am much better for my revelation.

Also, you should get some training from a local gun club, NRA class, or hunter ed course.  There is a lot of things that go into shooting and being safe.  Way too much to get into here.

Good luck, be safe, and have fun.

Answer 16

well you got me by about 20lbs but I have been shooting a .22 for about 27 years and still love shooting them. I would go with a Henry Lever action heck go big and start with a .22 mag. just my 2 cents.

Answer 17

well when i was 13 i was 5 foot 2 and a half and 190 lbs and the first time i shot a rifle it was a 30-06 and i put 6 shots inside 2 inches at 100 yards but i saw how much the recoil affected my dad so i held on for dear life acted like a show off and acted like i was'nt worried and acted all cool and followed through with my shots like in the movies and was able to do what i did but this is a rare case if anything

Answer 18

Regardless of how big you are, the perfect rifle for a beginner is a .22LR, preferably a bolt-action like the Savage Mk. II or the Stevens model 300. The reasons why are simple. The ammo is cheap. That means you can afford to shoot enough to develop good shooting skills. The report and recoil are mild enough you won't start flinching. And the guns tend to be inexpensive. Finally an added bonus is that they make perfect small game rifles.  

Answer 19

how about either a .17 hmr, i have one and i love to shoot the s... out of it, or for more fire power and excellent accuracy  a .22-250 nothing better for coyotes. i know you said no .22 but the .22-250 is center fire rifle cartridge that is relatively cheap and trust me after you start shooting it you wont want to stop.

Answer 20

Ariel-

As with the other respondents, I would strongly have you reconsider to look into a .22 LR.  This is a very good first cartridge to start with, though it is not a long range cartridge and not really very accurate after about 75 yards.  

So close range shooting is going to be the bag with this rifle.  As for a good suggestion, my first was a Ruger 10/22.  I still have mine, and it has taken more squirrels than I care to count.  I have taken Cotton Tails with it too, though the occasional Jack Rabbit has also fallen prey to its bite.

But as with any rifle of this type it has its limitations.  If the .22 LR is still not your bill, then consider a .223 Remington, (5.56 NATO), in a Ruger Mini-14, or one of any bolt action rifles.  This is a very good varmint cartridge and the ammunition to feed it, is equally inexpensive.  Though not quite as cheap as the .22 LR.

If you are looking to do some basic Deer Hunting, then you might consider, what I used for my first Deer Rifle.  Its a Remington 700 Chambered for .243 Winchester.

My other favorite light hunting caliber is a .22 Hornet.  I have a Ruger chambered for that cartridge.  The .22 Hornet was purchased before my .243.  It was my next step after my Ruger 10/22, and my first experience with a bolt action rifle.  

I have to tell you this, that little rifle to this very day makes short work of Jack Rabbits, Rock Chucks, Skunks, and Racoons.  Its relatively quiet, so even in my Father's rural neighborhood, the Racoons can be kept to a minimum.  It offers just enough power to get the job done without having to worry about over penetration and the neighbors.  Eventhough they are 10 Acres away.  Its just a matter of being quiet enough to not draw too much attention.

Besides, the Racoons are great for the Tomatoes and Corn!

As for the occasional Skunk, well those have a tendancy to visit the fenceline.  Just suffice it to say, there are some really green fluffy tufts of grass out there.

Anyhow, I hope that will give you some food for thought.  

Good Luck and Happy Shooting!